Process for treating photosensitive material



Dec. 15, 1964 H. E. ERIKSON 3,161,507

PROCESS FOR TREATING PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIAL Original Filed Oct. 21. 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 HgE TQR.

TTORNEYS Dec. 15, 1964 HE. ERIKSON PROCESS FOR TREATING PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIAL 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Oct. 21. 1958 United States Patent Ofifice 3,1615? Patented Dec. 15, 1964 3,161,597 PROCESS FOR TREATHNG PHOTOSENSITWE MATERIAL Herman E. Erilrson, Winchester, Mass, assignor to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass, a corporation of Delaware Original application Oct. 21, 1958, Ser. No. 768,662, now Patent No. 2,966,103, dated Dec. 27, 1960. Divided and this application Mar. 7, 1960, Ser. No. 13,122

8 Claims. (Cl. 96-27) This invention relates to photography and more particularly to apparatus for and novel methods of treating photographic sheet materials.

The prior art has included apparatus and methods for both exposing a strip of photosensitive sheet material, either continuously or in a sequence of frames, and processing the exposed strip by superposing it with a second strip, the two strips having a liquid medium distributed between them to effect the processing. As the desired result, for example in the form of a print or diapositive, is a function of the processing time, there is a predetermined minimum period during which the strips must remain in superposed relation. At the end of such period they may then be stripped from one another to recover the desired result.

The dual function of exposure and processing within a unit apparatus, such as a camera, may be accomplished in aplurality of ways. One method requires exposure of the photosensitive strip, superposition of the photosensitive strip with a second strip with processing liquid there between, and separation of the strips following a predetcrmined time interval. Exposure of a plurality of frames requires movement of the photosensitive strip through an exposure position and processing also requires movement of the strip through a superposed relation with the second strip. As the dimensions of the camera usually impose limitations on the linear dimension of a strip movable at a given exposure rate for which a predetermined processing time interval is perferably maintained, there is a functional relationship between the exposure and processing rates in this method.

Another method, similar to the first method, includes the severance of successive portions of the strips following superposition at the start of the processing period. Although the functional relationship of processing time and the rate of photosensitive strip movement may be thus abolished, the method is not readily adapted for use Where continuity of film is required, as in motion picture photography.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide apparatus for and novel methods of successively exposing and thereafter processing a continuous strip of photosensitive sheet material, the frequency and duration of exposure and the processing period of said strip being independent of one another.

Another object of the present invention is to provide novel means for exposing and processing a strip of photosensitive material, said novel means comprising means for moving said photosensitive strip in a first direction to expose said strip, means for moving the exposed strip in an opposite direction into superposition with a second strip, means for introducing a layer of processing composition between said strips, means for maintaining said strips in a substantially superposed relation to one another during a predetermined processing time interval, and means for separating said strips at the expiration of said time interval.

Another object of the present invention is to provide in a photographic device, novel means for exposing a photosensitive strip and processing said strip in cooperation with a second strip, said novel means comprising means for moving said photosensitive strip in a first direction along a predetermined path through an exposure position in said path to expose said strip, said second strip being disposed in approximately parallel relation to said first strip and having an opening therein for defining said exposure position, said photosensitive strip beingexposed through said opening, means for moving the exposed strip in an opposite direction into superposition with said second strip, means for introducing a processing composition between said strips when said strips are moved into superposition, means for moving said strips along said path in said opposite direction in a substantially stationary superposed relation to one another for a predetermined processing time interval, and means for separating said strips at the expiration of said time interval.

Other objects are to provide novel methods comprising the steps of moving in a first direction a strip of photosensitive sheet material, exposing said photosensitive sheet material to light through an opening in a second strip, storing the exposed strip, moving said exposed strip in a second direction oppositely to said first direction and into superposition with said second strip with a layer of processing composition between the two strips, maintaining said strips in superposed relation for a predetermined processing time interval, separating said strips at the end of said predetermined time interval, and separately storing each of said strips in a continuous condition; and to pro vide an apparatus of the above type including means providing an enclosure within which is disposed means for defining a unit path in which both said processing time interval and said frequency and duration of exposure occur respectively during movement of said photosensitive strip in opposite directions.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing the construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts, and the process involving the several steps and the relation and order of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the invention capable of perfiorming the method thereof with the parts thereof in exposure position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second or receiving strip and a photosensitive strip showing fragments thereof disposed at the exposure plane AA of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic sectional view of parts of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in processing position.

Photographic apparatus of the type herein disclosed generally includes means for processing an exposed photosensitive strip by superposing said photosensitive strip on another strip and spreading a thin layer of processing composition between said strips. The photosensitive strip includes a layer of photosensitive material, preferably an emulsion of silver halide, in which a latent image may be attained by difierential exposure to actinic radiation. The other strip may merely aid in the distribution of the processing liquid, but is preferably adapted to serve as a support for an image-receiving layer in which may be produced a visible print of an image latent in the photosensitive layer. The processing composition, when spread in a uniformly thin layer between the photosensitive strip and the other strip, preferably efiectuates .a silver halide diffusion-transfer reversal process by which the latent image in the photosensitive strip is developed and a positive print is produced in the image-receiving layer of the other strip. The processing composition, for example, may contain an aqueous solution of a silver halide developer such as hydroquinone, a silver halide solvent such a sodium thiosulfate and an alkali such as sodium hydroxide. Means are provided for maintaining the photosensitive and other strip in superposed relation with a layer of processing composition interposed between them to form a sandwich for a predetermined processing period, during which the exposed silver halide of the photosensitive strip is reduced to silver and unreduced silver halide of the photosensitive strip forms a water-soluble complex silver salt which diffuses through the layer of composition to the other strip where, upon being reduced to silver, it forms a visible print. Examples of photographic materials useful in apparatus of the foregoing type are described in detail in Patent No. 2,543,181, issued on February 27, 1951, to Edwin H. Land. It is, of course, to be understood that the apparatus and the processes herein described are riot limited to use with any particular species of photosensitive or other strips, the terms, photosensitive and other being used in their broadest sense to indicate a first strip which is photosensitive and another strip which may merely aid in spreading the processing composition over the surface of the photosensitive strip and which may, if desired, possess other characteristics.

The present invention contemplates a means for exposing an elongated photosensitive strip, either continuously or in an intermittent manner, at a rate or frequency determined by the overall linear speed of movement of the strip along a predetermined path through an exposure position, and includes means for storing the exposed strip for a period of time determined only by the needs or desire of an operator of the invention. Means are provided for disposing an elongated second strip in substantially parallel relation adjacent to the predetermined path, the second strip being maintained in a stationary position relative to said predetermined path during exposure of the photosensitive strip and having a portion through which the photosensitive strip is exposed.

In processing the photosensitive strip, means are providedfor leading the entire length of exposed strip from the storage means through means for superposing the exposed strip with the second strip to form a sandwich, the invention including means for treating the sandwich with processing composition, as, for instance, by distributing the composition between the strips at superposition. Means are provided for moving the sandwich along a processing path at a predetermined rate which bears no functional relation to the exposure rate, the superposed strips being in a substantially stationary relation to one another during movement of the sandwich. The processing path preferably comprises said predetermined path, and the direction of movement of the sandwich along the processing path is opposite to the direction of movement of the photosensitive strip during exposure. The invention also comprises means for separating the strips after a minimum processing time interval has elapsed. Where the linear dimension of the processing path is fixed, the processing time interval along said linear dimension is preferably a function of the rate of movement of the sandwich. Means are also provided for separately storing the processed photosensitive strip and the processed second strip following separation.

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown one form of a photographic apparatus embodying the present invention and for performing the method thereof. The photographic apparatus is in the form of a camera for exposing and processing strips of photosensitive sheet material in cooperation with second strips. Means, such as a light-tight housing 20, are provided for enclosing and supporting the various elements of the camera in operative relation to one another. One wall of housing 20 is provided with an aperture 22 through which light may be directed and focused by exposure means, such as a conventional lens-and-shutter assembly 24, mounted in covering relation to aperture 22, the mean focal plane of the lens of assembly 24 being designated at A--A. As shown in FIG. 1, a suitable means, such as bellows 26, may be provided for connecting housing 20 with assembly 24.

The photosensitive strip used in the invention and shown schematically at 30, preferably comprises a suitable base and a suitable photosensitive layer disposed on one surface of the base. The base, for example, comprises baryta or cellulose acetate and the photosensitive layer, for example, may comprise a silver halide emulsion spread upon the base and may be provided with a succession of frames adapted to receive a corresponding succession of latent images upon exposure to actinic light. Second strip 32, a fragment of which is shown in FIG. 2, together with a fragment of strip 30, preferably includes an opaque base and a suitable image-receiving layer disposed on one surface of the second strip to form, for instance, a succession of image-receiving areas. The image-receiving layer preferably comprises one of the compositions well known in the art which adapts the strip to receive prints of latent images formed in strip 30 and developed by processing. As is well known in the art, a succession of containers containing a liquid processing composition may be aifixed to second strip 32, at substantially regular intervals so spaced that each container is associated with one imagereceiving area. Each container would be of the type provided with a rupturable portion adapted to eject processing composition over the second strip when under compression. However, as a means for distributing processing composition, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a reagent dispensing means described hereinafter.

A supply of photosensitive strip is preferably disposed within housing 20 in a storage means such as first cassette or spool 34 which is adapted to receive and enclose the supply of strip 30 in a rolled or coiled form. A supply of a second strip 32 is also disposed within housing 20 preferably in a second storage means, which in the form shown comprises a second cassette or spool 36, the supply of strip 32 preferably being in rolled or coiled form. First spool 34 is mounted in housing 20 to one side of aperture 22, and second spool 36 is mounted to an opposite side of the aperture, both spools being so mounted that a strip of material may be unwound respectively from each of said spools and led across aperture 22 in or parallel to the focal plane AA without twisting or lateral bending of either strip, It should be noted that in the event second strip 32 has associated therewith a succession of containers carrying liquid processing composition, second spool 36 should have a somewhat larger storage capacity than first spool 34 to accommodate the increase in bulk of the second strip.

Means are provided for positioning the photosensitive strip for exposure to actinic light focused by exposure means, such as the lens of assembly 24, upon the mean focal plane AA. Such a means for positioning the photosensitive strip preferably comprises a means for advancing the photosensitive strip along a predetermined path, means for defining said predetermined path, and means for defining an exposure position in said predetermined path.

As a means for advancing photosensitive strip 30 along plane AA in a first direction there is provided advancing means, which in the form shown comprises two cooperating driving rolls 40 and 42. Rolls 40 and 42 are pivotally mounted in housing 20, one on each side of aperture 22, and are adapted to advance strip 30 by fric-- tional engagement or preferably by sprockets (not shown) mounted on the periphery of the drum, the sprockets. being adapted for releasably engaging a plurality of sequential apertures disposed along the edge or edges of the strip as in conventional motion picture film for instance. Rolls 40 and 42 are preferably linked by means (not shown) well known in the art for selectively and alternatively driving said rolls in accordance with the direction in which it is desired to move the strip either intermittently for the exposure of separate frames or continuously. It should be understood that such a means for advancing photosensitive strip 30 is included herein for illustrative only, other embodiments being also satisfactory, as for instance, a single sprocket or friction roll which is linked to rotatable storage drums having slipclutches for thereby advancing the photosensitive strip at a predetermined and substantially constant linear rate or frequency. It is of course obvious that where the embodiment includes both roll 40 and roll 42, the associated storage means need not be pivotable but may merely comprise cassettes in which the strip may be stored in a simple coiled form. Another alternative embodiment may be suggested, wherein the storage means are rotatable and comprise the driving means. The latter embodiment would preferably include a means for varying the rate of rotation of the storage means to provide a substantially and predeterminedly constant rate of either intermittent or continuous advancement of the photosensitive strip.

As a means for defining a predetermined path along which the photosensitive strip is moved for exposure, there is provided, for example, a movable guide plate 44 which is preferably characterized in having a substantially planar surface normally positioned in an approximately coplanar relationship with focal plane A-A. The planar surface of plate 44 is adapted to be in slidable engagement with strip 20 during advancement of the strip either continuously or in successive frames during exposure. Guide plate 44 is preferably movable normally to the optic axis of the lens of assembly 24, means shown schematically at 46 being provided for maintaining the guide plate in its normal position at the focal plane and also for moving the guide plate between its normal position and a second position displaced away from and on the optical axis of the lens of assembly 24.

In order to aid in the positioning of strip 30 and for maintaining strip 30 in slidable contact with planar surface of plate 44, means such as first guide roll 48 and second guide roll 50 are mounted respectively adjacent opposite ends of plate 44 and adjacent the periphery of aperture 22 for rotation about pivotal axes 52 and 54 respectively. Mounted upon the periphery of aperture 22 are third guide roll 56 and fourth guide roll 58 which are normally so spaced laterally and respectively from first and second guide rolls 48 and 50 as to allow a sandwich comprising photosensitive strip 39, second strip 32, and a processing composition therebetween to pass snugly but freely without exerting substantial pressure thereon. It should be noted that first and second guide rolls 48 and 50 are preferably so mounted that a portion of each of the cylindrical surfaces thereof is substantially tangent to plane AA and may be retained in such tangent relationship by suitable and preferably resilient mounting means.

The exposure position of photosensitive strip 30 in said predetermined path may be defined in terms of an exposure framing means for predetermining the limits of an area of the photosensitive strip subjected to a single exposure. Such anv exposure framing means may be provided, for example, by a portion of second strip 32, such as window or opening 60, as shown in FIG. 2, and which is transparent or pervious to radiation actinic to the photosensitive layer of strip 30. The guide rolls comprise a means for so disposing a portion of second strip 32 Within the camera, intermediate exposure planev AA and assembly 24, that during movement of strip 30 in said first direction, opening 60 is positioned in a substantially parallel relation to and adjacent plane AA for defining an area of the photosensitive strip that may be exposed through opening 60. In order to establish a substantially fixed exposure position, the guide roll also provides means for maintaining second strip 32 in a stationary relation to plane AA during movement in said first direction for exposure of the photosensitive strip. The dimensions of opening 60 are, of course, determined by the size of the area of strip 30 one wishes to expose and by the size of the image focused at AA by assembly 24.

The camera includes means such as third cassette or spool 62 for temporarily storing the photosensitive strip after exposure thereof, spool 62 being mounted on housing 20 adjacent second guide roll 50 and being preferably similar in construction and size to first spool 34.

As a means for superposing the photosensitive strip with second strip 32 following exposure of the photosensitive strip and when it is desired to process the photosensitive strip, there is preferably provided a pair of pressure-applying members, which, in the form shown, comprise spread rolls 64 and 66 adapted to be so positioned for processing that as the strips pass between them in face-to-face relation there exists a liquid-receiving space between said strips. This liquid-receiving space may be created by providing a space between the cylindrical peripheries of the two rolls slightly greater than the combined thickness of the two strips. The two rolls are preferably resiliently urged toward one another during processing by means (not shown) such that the liquid-receiving space may not exist in a static condition of the rolls, but may be created by the pressure of the processing liquid passing between the sheets causing separation of the rolls or of the resilient surfaces thereof. It should be noted that spread roll 64 is so disposed that a portion of the cylindrical periphery thereof provides a portion of the path of movement of photosensitive strip 30 between driving roll 42 and guide roll 50, a portion of the cylindrical surface of spread roll 64 being preferably tangent to plane A--A. Roll 64 is preferably mounted for pivotal movement upon housing 20 about pivotal axis 68 which is in a stationary relation to housing 20, while spread roll 66 is mounted for pivotal movement about a pivotal axis 70 which is preferably transversely movable between a first position wherein the cylindrical periphery of roll 66 is closely adjacent or in rotatable engagement with the periphery of roll 64 and a second position wherein roll 66 is displaced from said first position a distance substantially greater than the combined thickness of strips 30 and 32. Means well known in the art may be provided for so displacing roll 66, roll 66 preferably being in said second position during exposure movement of the photosensitive strip in the first direction and preferably being in said first position during processing movement of said strip in the opposite direction. It should be noted that rolls 64 and 66, being preferably resiliently urged toward one another during the advancement in said opposite direction and between said rolls of the two strips, apply pressure to said strips and therefore may cause ejection of processing composition in the event a container is disposed on second strip 32, the composition being thereby spread between the strips to form a sandwich and cause the latent image of strip 30 to be processed and a positive print to be formed in strip 32. It is apparent that in an alternative embodiment, roll 66 may be held stationary while roll 64 is mounted for movement toward and away from roll 66.

' However, in the form shown, means for providing fluid processing composition comprises a reagent-dispensing apparatus, indicated generally at 72, which includes a reservoir portion 74- for holding a supply of processing composition and a nozzle portion 76 disposed closely adjacent the bight of rolls 64 and 66 when roll 66 is in its first position. Feed means are also provided for effecting the ejection of the processing composition between the strips from nozzle 76, the feed means preferably comprising a pressure-applying means (not shown), coacting with reser- 'voir 74 so as to force the composition or reagent therefrom preferably in a continuous manner, and a valve '78 movable between an open and closed position for controlling the fiow of reagent from the reservoir portion and through nozzle 76. Means, shown schematically at 89, are provided for controlling the operating movements of valve 78. It should be apparent that in some circumstances it may be desirable to provide a simple gravityoperated reagent-dispensing means rather than include a pressure-applying means. An example of a suitable dispensing means readily employed with the present invention may be seen in US. Patent No. 2,520,641, issued August 29, 1950, to Edwin H. Land.

Means are provided for separating the processed photosensitive strip 30 from the second strip 32 at a predetermined point, this latter means comprising, in the form shown, a pair of separating rolls 82 and 84 between which the superposed sheets are advanced. As the desired photographic result is a function of the processing time, there is a predetermined period during which the strips must remain in superposed relation, the period being determined in the present invention by the rate of movement of the sandwich between the predetermined position of the spread roll 64 and of the separating roll 82. It is apparent that the use of photographic materials requiring a relatively long processing time would require that the strips either be advanced at a comparatively slow linear speed or that the distance between the superposing means and the separating means be of substantial magnitude. However, as the linear speed of advancement of the superposed strips bears no functional relation to the linear rate or frequency of exposure, it is preferred that the processing time be adjusted in accordance with changes in the linear rate of advancement of the superposed strips rather than by altering the dimensions of the device.

In the form shown, separating roll 82 is mounted for pivotal movement about pivotal axis 86 which is in a substantially stationary relation to housing 20, and separating roll 84 is preferably mounted about pivotal axis 88 which is movably transversely between a first position wherein said rolls are substantially adjacent one another and a second position wherein separating roll 84 is displaced from said first position. Separating roll 82 is preferably so mounted on housing that a portion of the cylindrical periphery thereof is tangent to plane AA. Separating roll 84 is preferably in the second position during exposure movement of photosensitive strip and in the first position during advancement of the superposed strips therebetween. Means (not shown), of course, are provided for transversely moving roll 84 with respect to roll 82. Various means have been recited for moving elements of the invention between predetermined positions during processing and exposing and have either not been shown or have been shown schematically, all being well known in the art. It is apparent that for simpler operation it is desirable to provide a means for coupling these various means for moving to allow actuation by, for instance, a single control. To that end, a linkage may be provided whereby spread roll 66 and separating roll 84 have been moved to their respective second positions, the driving rolls are rotated in a predetermined direction and guide plate 44 has been positioned at its normal position,

all during exposure of photosensitive strip 30. It then follows that the same linkage preferably provides a means whereby spread roll 66 and separating roll 84 have been moved to their respective first positions, the driving rolls are rotated in an opposite direction to said predetermined direction, guide plate 44 has been displaced from its normal position, and valve 78 has been moved to an open position to allow reagent to flow, all during processing. It is to be understood, in another embodiment of this invention, that roll 84 may be maintained in a stationary position and roll 82 be mounted for movement to and from roll 84.

between third guide roll 50 and fourth guide roll 58, over spread roll 64, over driving roll 42 and onto third spool 62. Continuous exposure or exposure of successive frames is effected by rotation of one or both of the driving rolls in a clockwise direction which advances strip 30 across aperture 22 in sliding contact with guide plate 44 in a first direction. Exposure occurs at any desired rate or frequency dependent only upon the rate of advancement of the photosensitive strip. To effect exposure, driving roll 40 may be in free rotation while only roll 64 is driven to provide a strip-advancing force.

Second strip 32 stored in second spool 36 is preferably attached to a leader which is threaded from spool 36 over spread roll 66 while in its second position, thence between second and fourth guide rolls 50 and 58, along guide plate 44 between photosensitive strip 30 and shutter-andlens assembly 24, thence between first and third guide rolls 48 and 56, over separating roll 84 while in its second position, and thence across a series of guide means such as idler rolls and 92 to a position wherein it may be withdrawn or advanced from the camera onto a fourth storage means 94 or into the hands of an operator. During advancement of photosensitive strip in said first direction across guide plate 44 for exposure, second strip 32 is maintained in an undriven or stationary position with respect to the guide plate, opening 60 in second strip 32 being positioned across guide plate 44 for providing a means for defining an exposure frame through which photosensitive strip 30 is exposed. Among the advantages accruing from the exposure of strip 30 through a portion of strip 32 is the prepositioning of strip 32 for superposition with the exposed strip 30. Additionally, because substantially the same path is used for both exposing and processing of the strips, the device needed to perform such functions is simplified.

Upon completion of exposure of a portion or all of the photosensitive strip, the exposed strip will then be found stored in third storage spool 62. To effect processing at the discretion of the operator, the strip is threaded back or reversed, and preferably advanced in a direction opposite to said first direction through the same path used to eflectuate exposure. Strip30 is superposed with sec ond strip 32 as hereinbefore described at spread rolls 64 and 66 and reagent or composition from reservoir 74 is fed through nozzle 76 and between the superposed strips at the spread rolls. Spread roll 66 is moved transversely into its first position preferably at the same time as driving rolls 40 and 42 are reversed in rotational direction, the advancing force now being provided by driving roll 40 while driving roll 42 is preferably free moving.

The sandwich formed by the superposition of strip 30 and strip 32 with processing composition spread therebetween, by the pressure applied by spread rolls 64 and 66, is moved as a unit substantially parallel to guide plate 44 to the separating rolls 82 and 84, guide plate 44 being in displaced position and separating roll 84 being in its first position. The motive force for moving the sandwich is provided by the advancement of the photosensitive strip, and superposition of the strips at the spread rolls causes second strip 32 to be moved out of second storage spool 36. It is apparent that during the processing movement of the sandwich across aperture 22, lens-and-shutter assembly 24 should admit no light which might interfere with the processing. To this end, means may be provided for rendering assembly 24 inoperative during processing movement, such means comprising, for instance, an interlock (not shown) connecting the 'shutter-and-lens assembly 24 to the spread and separating roll linkage, or a cover or bafile plate which may be inserted in parallel relation with the focal plane and on the shutter-and-lens assembly side of guide plate 44 such that the advancing sandwich is positioned between the guide plate and the baffle plate. As the processing is completed in successive portions of the superposed strips, the processed strips are advanced to the separating rolls at which the processed or developed photosensitive strip may be led over the separating roll 82, driving roll 40, and back into the first storage spool 34. The second strip which may comprise a finished print or diapositive is led over separating roll 84 to the plurality of idler rolls 90 and 92 disposed about the internal periphery of the camera and thence to fourth storage means 94 preferably located exteriorly of housing 20 for ready access by an operator thereof. Cutter means may be provided adjacent the location of the fourth storage means 94 for severing a predetermined portion of the developed second strip, the latter means, for instance, comprising a simple shearing device, shown schematically at 96, mounted on housing 20 and operable by manual or mechanical pressure. It should be noted that means may be provided for maintaining a predetermined amount of tension on the processed second strip from the separating roll 84 across the idler rolls to the fourth storage means 96. Such means would aid in separating the superposed strips, prevent the formation of loops, prevent slackness and consequent damage to the finished print, and may, for instance, comprise a simple manual winding mechanism which is preferably coupled with the linkage mechanismv controlling the operation of means for moving the various other elements. While superposing means and separating means have been described as comprising pairs of rolls, it is to be understood that there may be provided other superposing surfaces such as non-rotatable arcuate plates or rods. In the invention it is also to be understood that portions of the apparatus may be suitably hinged or pivoted to allow access for loading strips into storage means and that suitable light seals are desirably employed where necessary to prevent fogging or inadvertent exposure of the photosensitive strip.

The present application is a division of my copending application Serial No. 768,622, filed October 21, 1958.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus and process without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. The method of exposing and treating a photosensitive surface of a first strip of photographic material, said method comprising the steps of: disposing said first strip between a first and a second storage means along a first path which includes an exposure position at which a portion of said photosensitive surface may be photoexposed, disposing a second strip in superposed relation to said photosensitive surface substantially along at least a portion of said first path including said exposure position, moving said first strip along said first path from said first toward said second storage means whereby a succession of portions of said photosensitive surface are sequentially disposed at said exposure position, retaining said second strip in a stationary position relative to said exposure position during movement of said first strip from said first toward said second storage means, photoexposing said succession of portions of said photosensitive surface through the portion of said second strip adjacent said exposure position, following photoexposure moving said first strip along said first path from said second toward said first storage means, moving said second strip along said first path in superposition with said photosensitive surface during movement of said first strip from said second toward said first storage means, and distributing a layer of processing fluid between said first and second strips during the last-named movement for effecting processing of said photosensitive surface.

2. The method of exposing and treating a photosensitive surface of a first strip of photographic material, said a method comprising the steps of: extending a leading end of said first strip from a first storage means, wherein said first strip is initially contained, within a substantially lighttight compartment to a second storage means with- 10 in said compartment along a first path which includes an exposure position in alignment with exposure control means for said compartment, disposing a second strip in adjacent and substantially parallel relation to said first path and between said photosensitive surface and said exposure control means at said exposure position, moving said first strip along said first path from said first toward said second storage means whereby a succession of portions of said photosensitive surface are sequentially disposed at said exposure position, retaining said second strip in a stationary position relative to said exposure position during movement of said first strip from .said first toward said second storage means, photoexposing said succession of portions of said photosensitive surface through the portion of said second strip adjacent said exposure position, following photoexposure moving said first strip along said first path from said second toward said first storage means, moving said second strip along said first path in superposition with said photosensitive surface during movement of said first strip from said second toward said first storage means, and distributing a layer of processing fluid between said first and second strips during the last-named movement for effecting processing of said photosensitive surface.

3. The method of exposing and processing a photosensitive surface of a first strip of photographic material, said method comprising the steps of: disposing said first strip within a substantially lighttight compartment which includes an exposure control means, disposing at least a portion of a second strip within said compartment and in alignment with said exposure control means, moving said first strip across said compartment from a first side to a second side of said exposure control means while maintaining said second strip in a stationary position between said first strip and said exposure control means, photoexposing successive portions of said photosensitive surface to actinic radiation which passes through at least said exposure control means and the portion of said sect ond strip in alignment therewith, moving said photosensitive surface and said second strip into superposed relation, moving said first and second strips in superposed relation across said compartment from said second to said first side of said exposure control means, and distributing a layer of processing composition between said first and second strips to effect processing of said photosensitive surface.

4. The method of exposing and processing a photosensitive surface as defined in claim 3, including the steps of separating said first and second strips from said superposed relation following a predetermined processing perio 5. The method of exposing and treating a photosensitive surface of a first strip of photographic material, said method comprising the steps of: disposing said first strip Within a first storage means in a lighttight compartment which includes exposure control means, passing a leading end of said first strip along a first path from said first storage means to a second storage means, said first path including an exposure position substantially in alignment with said exposure control means, said photosensitive surface of said first strip facing toward said exposure control means at said exposure position, disposing a portion of a second strip adjacent said first strip at said exposure position with said second strip positioned between said photosensitive surface and said exposure control means, moving said first strip along said predetermined path from said first to said second storage means, whereby a succession of portions of said photosensitive surface are disposed at said exposure position, while maintaining said second strip stationary with respect to said exposure position, photoexposing said succession of portions by allowing radiation actinic to said photosensitive surface to pass through said exposure control means and an opening in that portion of said second strip adjacent said exposure control means, halting the movement of said first strip from said first to said second storage means, moving said first and second strips in unison along aid first path from said second toward said first storage means, and distributing a layer of processing composition between said second strip and said photosensitive surface during the last-named movement.

6. The method of exposing and treating a photosensitive surface of a first strip of photographic material, said method comprising the steps of: disposing said first strip within a first storage means in a lighttight compartment which includes exposure control means, passing a leading end of said first strip along a first path from said first storage means to a second storage means, said first path including an exposure position substantially in alignment with said exposure control means, said photosensitive surface of said first strip facing toward said exposure control means at said exposure position, disposing a portion of a second strip adjacent said first strip at said exposure position with said second strip positioned between said photosensitive surface and said exposure con- 'trol means, moving said first strip along said predetermined path from said first to said second storage means, whereby a succession of portions of said photosensitive surface are disposed at'said exposure position, while maintaining said second strip stationary with respect to said exposure position, photoexposing said succession of portions by allowing radiation actinic to said photosensitive surface to pass through said exposure control means and an opening in that portion of said second strip adjacent said exposure control means, moving said first and second strips into superposed relation along substantially all of said first path, moving said first and second strips in unison along said first path from said second toward said first storage means, distributing a layer of processing composition between said second strip and said photosensitive surface of said first strip during the last-named movement, and separating said first and second strips from said superposed relation at the end of said first path.

7. The method of exposing and treating a photosensitive surface as defined in claim 6 wherein the step of moving said first strip from said first to said second storage means is done in an intermittent manner, and the step of photoexposing said succession of portions is accomplished by operation of said exposure control means during pauses in the intermittent motion of said first strip.

8. The method of exposing and treating a photosensitive surface as defined in claim 6 wherein the step of moving said first strip from said first to said second storage means is accomplished in a continuous manner, said photosensitive surface being photoexposed during said movement of said first strip from said first to said second storage means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,520,641 Land Aug. 29, 1950 2,647,055 Land July 28, 1953 2,819,662 Land Jan. 14, 1958 2,873,658 Land Feb. 17, 1959 3,003,871 Land et al. Oct. 10, 1961 

1. THE METHOD OF EXPOSING AND TREATING A PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE OF A FIRST STRIP OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIAL, SAID METHOD COMPRISING THE STEPS OF: DISPOSING SAID FIRST STRIP BETWEEN A FIRST AND A SECOND STORAGE MEANS ALONG A FIRST PATH WHICH INCLUDES AN EXPOSURE POSITION AT WHICH A PORTION OF SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE MAY BE PHOTOEXPOSED, DISPOSING A SECOND STRIP IN SUPERPOSED RELATION TO SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE SUBSTANTIALLY ALONG AT LEAST A PORTION OF SAID FIRST PATH INCLUDING SAID EXPOSURE POSITION, MOVING SAID FIRST STRIP ALONG SAID FIRST PATH FROM SAID FIRST TOWARD SAID SECOND STORAGE MEANS WHEREBY A SUCCESSION OF PORTIONS OF SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE ARE SEQUENTIALLY DISPOSED AT SAID EXPOSURE POSITION RETAINING SAID SECOND STRIP IN A STATIONARY OSITION RELATIVE TO SAID EXPOSURE POSITION DURING MOVEMENT OF SAID FIRST STRIP FROM SAID FIRST TOWARD SAID SECOND STORAGE MEANS, PHOTOEXPOSIGN SAID SUCCESSION OF ORTIONS OF AID PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE THROUGH THE PORTION OF SAID SCOND STRIP ADJACENT SAID EXPOSURE POSITION, FOLLOWING PHOTOEXPOSURE MOVING SAID FIRST STRIP ALONG SAID FIRST PATH FROM SAID SECOND TOWARD SAID FRIST STORAGE MEANS, MOVING SAID SECOND STRIP ALONG SAID FIRST PATH IN SUPERPOSITION WITHSADI PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE DURING MOVEMENT OF SAID FIRST STRIP FROM SAID SECOND TOWARD SAID FIRST STORAGE MEANS, AND DISTRIBUTING A LAYER OF PROCESSING FLUID BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND STRIPS DURING THE LAST-NAMED MOVEMENT FOR EFFECTING PROCESSING OF SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE. 